This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making, in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.
The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)
Combined doctoral training across counseling and school psychology prepares students more broadly than traditional programs, to more flexibly address school and behavioral health needs of rural Arizona communities through the application of research and practice.
Integration of theory, research, and practice comprise the core of the Combined Counseling/School Psychology training program at Northern Arizona University. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications. Our doctoral program reflects a training curriculum that is sequential, cumulative, and graded in complexity.
Students are expected to gain essential skills in both counseling and school psychology by taking courses that reflect common knowledge across both areas and by taking courses that train specific aspects of counseling psychology and school psychology. In addition, students may also take elective courses in counseling psychology or school psychology and gain additional clinical and research experience in settings related to one or both areas.
Upon program completion, trainees will be able to effectively intervene in educational, emotional, and behavioral arenas with individuals, families, groups, and organizations.
To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 123 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Dissertation | Dissertation is required. |
| Comprehensive Exam | Comprehensive Exam is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental ...systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making, in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.
The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This doctoral degree requires 123 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 123 units:
Psychological Foundations (21 units)
Counseling/School Psychology Specialization (75 units)
Research Block (21 units)
Electives (6 units)
Please be aware that the necessary coursework for this plan is only available at Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff.
For more information about residency and other requirements that pertain to this degree, see the Doctoral Requirements Policy.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.